The launch of a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the first all-civilian crew to the International Space Station on a commercial, non-government journey has been pushed back from Wednesday until at least Friday, according to the mission's sponsor's announcement Sunday. However, it did not provide any reason for the delay.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from space launch complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida on March 30, 2017, with an SES communications satellite.
What To Expect From Axiom-1 Launch
Axiom Space, headquartered in Houston, said the launch from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center will now take place no earlier than 11:17 a.m. ET on Friday, April 8, with docking at the space station expected around 7:30 a.m. ET on Saturday.
The voyage is the first "private astronaut mission" to the space station sanctioned by NASA. CBS News said the space agency seeks to increase business participation in low-Earth orbit research and development.
Digital Trends said that the launch site's proceedings will be live-streamed via many cameras on Friday.
It'll most likely involve the astronauts boarding the Crew Dragon capsule, settling in, and making final preparations for the crucial launch, which will see SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket blast the capsule and crew into the International Space Station.
There was no precise explanation for the delay, but it was mentioned that the pre-launch processing work was still ongoing. So, it could be the reason for the two-day delay.
You may watch the events by using the video player below the page or going to NASA's live TV stream for the broadcast.
Changes to the program may be necessary owing to inclement weather or last-minute technical concerns. For any last-minute developments, follow NASA on Twitter.
ALSO READ: Crew-4 Mission Launch Delayed Due to Axiom's Complexity and NASA Having an 'Extremely Busy Spring'
Who Will Join The Launch?
Space.com said the forthcoming Ax-1 spacecraft would carry a total of four people. Here are the passengers on the first crewed trip of Axiom Space:
Connor, Larry
The Ax-1 pilot is Connor. He's a seasoned astronaut who's won five aerobatic events already. He even competed in various national aerobatic competitions in the United States.
Lopez-Alegra, Michael
The Ax-1 commander is Lopez-Alegria. He is a seasoned NASA astronaut who has participated in several space missions, including the current ISS Expedition 14. He does, however, retain the record for most spacewalks aboard the International Space Station.
Pathy, Mark
The Ax-1 mission expert will be Mark Pathy, the current CEO at MARVIK, a sustainable investing firm. He is also the chairman of the board of directors of the Stingray Group.
Stibbe, Eytan
Another mission expert for the forthcoming Ax-1 spacecraft is Stibbe. He most recently served in the Israel Air Force as a fighter pilot. Thanks to his knowledge, he may now travel to the farthest reaches of the universe.
RELATED ARTICLE: SpaceX To End Making Crew Dragon Space Capsules After Successfully Serving NASA, International Space Station
Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times.
